Columns

By: Raymond Powell

As promised with the previous article of the 3 most important historical sites in Mansfield, there would be a follow-up with this writer’s opinion of the 3 most important historical sites in DeSoto Parish. This is an extremely challenging selection but here goes.

The Battle of Mansfield and of Pleasant Hill fought on April 8 and 9, 1864 were the last two consecutive victories for the Confederates.

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By Stephen Waguespack

“Your brand name is only as good as your reputation.” – Richard Branson

Louisiana’s brand is strong in many ways. Our culture is second to none, and our people are inviting and entertaining. We are rich in natural resources that fuel the world, as well as those that fuel the sporting passions of any outdoorsman. We are heroically resilient and civically driven, as recently evidenced by the Cajun Navy members and many other responders who rushed to Houston just to help a stranger in need.

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By: Raymond Powell

Several people have asked for an opinion of the 3 most important historical sites in Mansfield. Of course, the following 3 sites are this writer’s opinion – this will be only one person’s opinion.

Selection One is the northeast corner of Washington and Franklin Streets in Mansfield where the original Log Court House was erected in 1843 and accepted by the DeSoto Police Jury on Jan. 1, 1844.

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By Stephen Waguespack

Why again do we live here?

Summers in Louisiana can be brutal, with oppressive heat and swarms of mosquitoes an annual tradition. Our coastline is eroding, our topography is flat and many of our communities are threatened by water.

We have a history of political corruption and low-performing schools, both which are slowly starting to improve after decades of poor outcomes. Our tax code is a mess, and our public infrastructure needs updating.

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By Stephen Waguespack

Many have stepped up to help us over the years.

The horrific summer of 2005, dominated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, left an indelible mark on New Orleans and our entire coastal area that continues to influence many of our actions today. Hurricanes Gustav and Ike impacted most of our state just a few years later, triggering a collaborative effort that resulted in the largest evacuation in the nation’s history at the time. The Deepwater Horizon incident and resulting oil spill brought new challenges that caught the nation’s attention, as did the unprecedented floods of last summer. Louisiana has faced our fair share of adversity over the years, and the commitment of our communities and the compassion of our fellow Americans helped us get through it each time.

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day may get more attention, but National Grandparents Day, observed on Sept. 10, has gained in popularity. If you’re a grandparent, you might expect to receive some nice cards, but if you want to make the day especially meaningful, you may want to consider giving some long-lasting financial gifts to your grandchildren.

By: Raymond Powell

The movie and television industries are a 20th century thing. In 1889 Thomas Edison developed a machine called a “Kinetoscope” that had a group of pictures on a stripe with holes along the edge that could run through the machine to make it appear something was moving. About 1900 the machine was developed to make the film move without a jerking motion. The actors and actresses’ names were kept secret but about 1910 interest began to mount.

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